Written Answers Nos. 61-82
61. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware that persons are being forced by the ESB to have a smart meter, even if they do not want one, and that if the notification is not received, the ESB will fit the meter despite the objection of the householder; if he will intercede on behalf of householders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13648/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Smart Metering Programme is overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) with ESB Networks (ESBN) carrying out the roll out of meters on the ground. The programme will see the installation of up to 2.1 million smart meters by 2025 and facilitate new smart energy products and services for energy consumers, including export tariffs for microgeneration. The phased rollout initially targeted the biggest cohort of consumers; households with single-phase 24-hour register meters (MCC01). However, since September 2023, exchanges have also been taking place for MCC02 customers (day/night meters) and MCC03 meters with no Night Storage Heating load.
As of 29 March 2024, over 1.66 million smart meters have been installed nationwide. With this volume of smart meters already installed Ireland has now achieved a critical mass. The next step is to ensure that we maximise the benefits of this critical public infrastructure for consumers and for the resilience of our energy system as we accelerate its decarbonisation.
Customers who do not wish to have their meter exchanged are able to decline smart meter installation. Under its licence, ESBN is required to have in place a code of practice covering persons visiting land and/or premises on behalf of the licensee and a Complaints Handling Procedure which applies if an issue arises during installation. Additionally, while the installation of a smart meter enables customers to avail of smart tariffs and other services, there is no obligation on customers to change their tariff type, in order to avail of a smart meter.
The CRU is an independent statutory regulator and is accountable for the performance of its functions to the Oireachtas, and not to me as Minister. The CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters, such as the matter raised in this question, to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
62. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for energy in line with Ireland signing a global accord at the United Nations climate summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to move away from fossil fuels and eliminate subsidies for coal, oil and gas, if he will outline the steps being taken domestically, at EU and IEA level as co-chair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13650/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government Policy Statement on Petroleum Exploration and Production in Ireland, published in August 2022, reaffirms the commitment contained in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future to end the issuing of new licences for the exploration and extraction of gas on the same basis as the decision taken in 2019 by the previous Government in relation to oil exploration and extraction. This position is also supported through the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. Only holders of existing authorisations can continue to apply to progress through the standard licensing lifecycle stages towards a natural conclusion, which may include expiry, relinquishment, production or refusal. No new authorisations for new exploration can be considered.
Any applications for follow-on authorisations or applications to undertake offshore activities under an authorisation are subject to Ministerial consent and must continue to meet environmental, technical, and financial criteria as appropriate.
With regard to the IEA and Ireland’s co-chair of the recent IEA Ministerial Event, it was made clear in the Communique that IEA Members were committed to transitioning away from using fossil fuels to renewables. This ties in with the strong commitments agreed at COP 28.
63. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how many electricity customers did not receive the latest electricity credit due to be being below the low energy threshold that is, using less than 150kWh (kilowatt-hour) of energy a quarter between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023. [13652/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra64. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications who decided that electricity customers who are below the low energy threshold that is, using less than 150kWh (kilowatt-hour) of energy a quarter between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023 would be disqualified from accessing the electricity credit; the rationale for this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13653/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra65. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware that the decision to exclude electricity customers who are below the low energy threshold that is, using less than 150kWh (kilowatt-hour) of energy a quarter between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023 from receiving the electricity credit has hit vulnerable households, especially people living alone who do not have the same usage requirements as a larger household yet are struggling with high bills; if he considered these households when introducing the electricity credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13654/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra130. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is an issue with low electrical consumers receiving the Government allocated credits to their bills; if an issue with allowing such consumers receive the credit in the past; how many consumers did not receive the credit for this reason; if the Government will refund these customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15299/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 63, 64, 65 and 130 together.
As part of Budget 2024 Government approved a new tranche of Emergency Electricity Credits which over 2.2 million households will benefit from - worth €450 in total per household.
The payments are being applied to domestic electricity accounts, including those with Pay As You Go meters, which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2).
Under Scheme III, usage levels are assessed to ensure that payments are withheld in relation to low usage electricity accounts identified by the distribution system operator, to prevent the payment from being applied to vacant houses.
ESB Networks identified accounts which consumed less than 150 kilowatt hours of electricity per quarter for four consecutive quarters between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023. Domestic electricity accounts flagged as low usage accounts, will not be allocated a payment for that payment period. The payment will not be withheld for accounts with a financial hardship meter, accounts held by registered as a vulnerable customer or accounts which have low usage due to the exporting of energy to the grid through microgeneration.
The Scheme allows for review by a customer’s electricity supplier, if contacted by a customer who has not received the payment. The customer can seek further review by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, which has oversight of the Scheme, following the decision of the electricity supplier
The CRU confirmed that as of 15 March, 95% of all eligible customers had the December, and January/February credit payments applied to their account. The majority of the remaining 5% cohort are low usage accounts for whom the account holder has not contacted the supplier. These account holders may request their electricity supplier review its refusal to make an electricity costs emergency benefit payment up until the 30 June 2024.
In addition, vulnerable customers who are critically dependent on electrically powered equipment, cannot be disconnected for non-payment of account at any time. It is important that people who are in such situations contact their energy supplier to register with them as a vulnerable customer. Suppliers are also required to ensure that all registered vulnerable customers are on the most economic tariff available for their chosen payment method and billing format.
Any individual that is in need of additional support may apply for an Additional Needs Payment provided by the Department of Social Protection, who have a need for financial assistance.
Household customers struggling with their bills are strongly encouraged to engage with their supplier, directly or through as third-party representative. Suppliers will not disconnect customers that continue to engage with them and suppliers have additional customers supports in place, including hardship funds. to meet costs of essentials such as energy.
Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 63.
Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 63.
66. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of research commissioned by his Department on retrofitting apartment complexes; his plans to expedite the introduction of special measures in light of the latest Energy Performance of Buildings Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13677/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraApartment buildings have additional and complex issues that need to be addressed when considering whole building retrofit upgrades. This includes technical issues like heat pump system design solutions, as well as resident and mixed ownership issues which can often be very challenging.
Officials from my Department, the SEAI and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are members of a Working Group for an EU-supported research project on retrofitting apartment complexes. The research project is being led by The Housing Agency.
The key objective of the project is to establish models and frameworks to advance whole-of-building retrofitting of apartment buildings in Ireland where there are multiple owners of homes in the blocks. The project aims to identify management, finance, and governance barriers to whole-of-building retrofitting, and to make recommendations in relation to related policy, good practices, and potential solutions. Work on the project is continuing, and it is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
It is important to note that upgrading of entire apartment buildings can currently be supported under the SEAI Community Energy Grant Scheme. In recent years, SEAI has supported a number of such projects, which included households that were eligible for a range of SEAI grant schemes, living in apartment buildings. In this regard, the SEAI is happy to engage with apartment block Owner Management Companies (OMCs) in relation proposals for energy efficiency upgrade projects and I would encourage any such OMCs to make contact with SEAI.
67. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of all current taskforces under his Department’s remit, in tabular form; to report on the objectives and progress of each taskforce; if he plans to set up any additional taskforces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13750/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra68. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of all current taskforces under his Department’s remit, in tabular form; to report on the objectives and progress of each taskforce; if he plans to set up any additional taskforces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13751/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 68 together.
There are seven key delivery taskforces in operation in my Department. These taskforces were established to accelerate delivery in a number of key programme areas for Government. The table below sets out the objectives and progress of each taskforce in this Department along with relevant links to further information where available. There are presently no plans to establish further delivery taskforces. There are other taskforces in the Department of Transport, Enterprise and Agriculture that officials from my department participate in.
|
Taskforce |
Objective |
Progress |
|
Offshore Wind Delivery (est. 2022) |
To drive delivery of offshore wind targets in the Climate Action Plan, and to mobilise the Irish economy towards realising associated economic and societal opportunities through effective cross-Government collaboration. |
The Taskforce terms of reference, key actions for 2023 and minutes of meetings, are available www.gov.ie/en/publication/c8749-offshore-wind-delivery-taskforce/ The Taskforce has met fourteen times. In addition, the Taskforce has held sessions with the offshore wind industry, represented by Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) and Marine Renewables Industry Association (MRIA to exchange updates on the latest policy and industry developments. The Taskforce published its key actions for 2023 in March 2023. In Q2 2024, an Annual Review for 2023 will be published, along with key actions for 2024. This report will detail progress made by each of the workstreams under the Offshore Wind Energy Programme, and will also look forward to some of the headline actions that workstreams will progress throughout 2024. |
|
Climate Communications and Engagement Taskforce (est. 2022) |
To provide oversight for the design, implementation, and coordination of the National climate communications and engagement programme. |
The Taskforce has met twice yearly since its establishment in 2022. Recommendations from this Taskforce, highlighting the importance of community engagement, informed the Citizen Engagement chapter in the Climate Action Plan 2024. It also informed the development of a plan for a year of engagement under the National Dialogue on Climate Action. This engagement campaign, entitled Climate Actions Work, was launched by Minister Ryan on 28th March 2024. |
|
Land Use(est. 2022) |
To establish a framework for land and land use to play its part through the second phase of the land use review. |
The Taskforce has met three times in the context of the Climate Stakeholder Forums as part of the National Dialogue on Climate Action. Stakeholder engagement in the Land Use Review was a key focus of discussion at these fora. Phase 2 of the Land-use Review, as committed to in the Programme for Government, commenced in October 2023 and will build on the evidence from Phase 1 which was published in March 2023. Further formal stakeholder engagement will be a key focus of this phase. |
|
Heat and Built Environment(est. 2023) |
To accelerate and drive delivery in relation to retrofitting, renewable heat, district heat and decarbonisation of the building stock by: - identifying work on the critical path to key targets under each area; - ensuring alignment in the development of polices and activities underway across Government Departments; and - proactively managing risks to ensure targets are achieved. |
The Taskforce terms of reference and minutes of meetings are available www.gov.ie/en/publication/097fa-heat-and-built-environment-taskforce/ The Taskforce has met nine times, with the tenth meeting scheduled. An implementation plan is in place collating all activities, outputs and projects underway across Government Departments and Agencies, and the related EU targets and those set out in the Climate Action Plan.Key outputs from the Taskforce include implementation of the District Heating Steering Group Report 2023 available www.gov.ie/en/publication/3f132-district-heating-steering-group/ Other outputs will include: - Identification of risks to delivery and mitigations required, (including with regard to the historic building stock) - Comprehensive oversight of state-led activity against the Implementation Plan to support detailed reporting on delivery - A biomethane strategy - A heat policy statement - A strategy for each Working Group - A roadmap for the phase out of fossil fuel heating systems |
|
Just Transition (est. 2023) |
To provide recommendations to the Minister, by Q1 2024, on the establishment of a Just Transition Commission. |
The Taskforce terms of reference and minutes of meetings are available www.gov.ie/en/publication/e3666-just-transition-taskforce/This Taskforce has now concluded its work. I have received a final report and recommendations in advance of consideration by the Government, with a view to establishing a Just Transition Commission at an early opportunity. |
|
Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce (est. 2023) |
To identify, coordinate, and prioritise the required policies needed to achieve the onshore renewable electricity, and related, targets and to ensure that barriers to the implementation of such policies are removed or minimised to the greatest extent possible. |
The Taskforce was established as a key action under Climate Action Plan 2023 and has met four times, with a fifth meeting planned for the coming weeks. The Taskforce Programme of Work, which will allow for a cohesive approach for the fast-tracking and increased deployment of onshore renewable electricity generation and supporting technologies, is expected to be published in the coming weeks. |
|
Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce |
To identify and overcome barriers to the deployment of fixed and mobile telecommunications services in the State, with particular regard to rural, isolated and under-served communities. |
This Taskforce was re-established in 2021, having previously operated over the period 2017-2019. The Taskforce is co-chaired by the Minister for Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and Minister of State Smyth at this Department. Since re-establishment, the Taskforce has met four times. A National Stakeholder Forum also took place in February 2023. The minutes of the meetings are available www.gov.ie/en/publication/522d2-mobile-phone-and-broadband-taskforce-meeting-minutes/ In April 2022, a three-year Work Programme was agreed with Taskforce members. An Annual Report for the first year of the programme is available www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/263160/6c471634-84cd-485c-84a0-214d0d9f5f47.pdf#page=null An Annual Report for the second year is currently being coordinated by DRCD. To date, actions 1 and 6 in the work programme have been completed and there has been consistent progress on the remaining actions. |
69. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications with reference to the public consultation on the draft National Biomethane Strategy, the number of submissions received ahead of the extended deadline of 5 March 2024; the findings of same; when he expects the final National Biomethane Strategy to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13761/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment has committed to deliver up to 5.7TWh of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. In order to deliver on this commitment, a dedicated Biomethane Working Group, chaired by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, has been established to oversee an all-of-government approach to developing a National Biomethane Strategy to support the achievement of this target in a sustainable manner.
Following engagement with key stakeholders and industry experts, a draft National Biomethane Strategy has been developed. A public consultation was launched on the 30 January which sought views from interested parties on the draft Strategy and the proposed roadmap to develop a biomethane industry of scale in Ireland.
The public consultation opened for a 5-week period, closed on the 5 March and received a total of 200 submissions. These submissions are currently being reviewed and feedback received will directly inform the final National Biomethane Strategy which is due for publication in the coming weeks.
70. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount spent by his Department on travel and accommodation costs associated with Ministerial visits abroad to date in 2024, in tabular form. [13804/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested in the question is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.
71. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of properties either owned or leased by his Department, which are currently vacant; the length of time the properties have been vacant for; and the location of the properties, in tabular form. [13822/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not own or lease any property. All premises occupied by my officials are either state owned or leased by the OPW on behalf of the Department.
72. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 28 November 2023, whether he expects to finalise the sectoral emission ceilings including LULUCF for the first carbon budget consistent with the aggregate budget of 295 million tonnes CO2 eq, before that period has expired (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13883/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is committed to achieving a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2018 levels, and climate neutrality by no later than 2050. These objectives are set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, and are legally binding. Successive annual Climate Action Plans, required under the Climate Act, set out the policies, measures and actions to put Ireland on the various sectoral decarbonisation pathways required to achieve these goals. Climate Action Plan 2024 was approved by Government in December 2023, subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, and is expected to be finalised in May.
Sectoral emissions ceilings for electricity, industry, buildings, transport and agriculture were agreed by the Government in July 2022. However, adopting a sectoral emissions ceiling for the Land Use, Land-use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector was deferred pending a review of options following changes to the sector’s baseline in the EPA’s 2022 National Inventory Report (NIR). In fact, 2018 emissions for LULUCF have fluctuated in the past three NIRs, ultimately increasing by 31% since NIR 2021. This is primarily driven by changes in the emission factor for drained afforested organic soils. Numerous further inventory refinements are planned for the coming years. Reflecting this high level of uncertainty with LULUCF emissions; the series of planned inventory refinements; and the continued volatility for LULUCF baseline emissions to 2030 and beyond, the 2024 Climate Action Plan puts in place ambitious activity targets for the sector.
This approach is more aligned to how the EU LULUCF Regulation deals with the fluctuations and limits within the LULUCF sector, and will set us on a pathway to achieve our goals for this sector allowing for: the setting of activity targets and annual key performance indicators, sectoral accountability, and a 2030 emissions reduction target. The pathway will be subject to future reviews considering the Phase 2 of the Land-use Review, ongoing inventory refinements, and any future developments in terms of international and national commitments.
73. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the average cost to retrofit, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13923/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra74. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the average cost to upgrade to a BER B2, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13924/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra75. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the average cost to upgrade to a BER B2 as part of the SEAI scheme in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13927/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra77. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the average cost to install a heat pump, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13929/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra78. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown in of the number of heat pumps that were installed, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and in 2024, in tabular form; to provide a breakdown of heat pump installation targets, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13930/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra80. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on our 2030 heat pump targets; to report on the pathway between now and 2030 to reach our 2030 targets; to provide a breakdown of projected/estimated targets for completed retrofits per SEAI scheme in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13932/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra81. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the retrofitting targets, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; to provide a breakdown of how many retrofits were completed, per SEAI scheme, in the corresponding timeframe; to provide a breakdown of the retrofitting targets per SEAI scheme; to provide a breakdown of how many retrofits were completed to BER B2 standard or higher per SEAI scheme; to provide a breakdown of the retrofitting targets per SEAI scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13933/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra82. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on our 2030 retrofitting targets; to report on the pathway between now and 2030 to reach our 2030 targets; to provide a breakdown of projected/estimated targets for completed retrofits across SEAI schemes in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030; to provide a breakdown of projected/estimated targets for completed retrofits to a BER B2 standard or higher across SEAI schemes in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13934/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra85. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the average cost to retrofit a home to a BER cost optimum standard under the better energy warmer homes scheme in the year 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [13963/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra86. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the average cost to retrofit a home to a BER cost optimum standard under the one stop shop scheme in the years 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [13964/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 73, 74, 75, 77, 78, 80, 81, 82, 85 and 86 together.
The Programme for Government and Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal level and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes by end-2030.
This represents approximately 30% of the housing stock and is among the most ambitious retrofit programmes worldwide. The budget of €8 billion to the end of the decade and annual allocations set out in the National Development Plan and National Retrofit Plan, underlines the Government’s commitment to achieving these targets.
The National Retrofit Plan estimates that, between 2019 and 2025, almost 185,000 home energy upgrades will be delivered with over 83,000 to a B2/cost optimal level and includes a target to install 45,000 heat pumps in existing dwellings in the same period.
When the emissions savings from the non-B2 upgrades are included, this is the equivalent of 120,000 B2 upgrades over the period. As a result, there will be a need to deliver on average, approximately 75,000 B2-equivalent home upgrades per year from 2026 to 2030 with the majority installing heat pump systems in order to achieve the overall 2030 targets.
A range of measures have been put in place in recent years under the National Retrofit Plan including in 2022 when an enhanced package of SEAI retrofit supports were introduced and saw significant increases in grant supports for energy efficiency measures including the heat pump grant. In addition, there are two SEAI heat pump pilot schemes underway, aimed at informing appropriate process and approach to increase the number of heat pumps installations: (i) B2 and Heat Pump pilot under the Warmer Homes Scheme and (ii) Heat Loss Indicator Pilot under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme. The Department and SEAI have also been working with international experts in relation to ensuring that the package of supports for heat pumps align with best practice.
In recent years, demand across the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes has been exceptionally high. Data from SEAI shows that in the period 2020 to end-February 2024 just over 115,000 property upgrades have been supported through the residential and community energy upgrade schemes, including the Solar PV scheme. Of these, almost 36,400 have been upgraded to a post works building energy rating of B2 or better. In the same period almost 10,000 heat pumps installations have been supported.
The costs of a retrofit/home energy upgrade depends on a range of factors including the size and type of home as well as the age and starting condition of the property and the retrofitting works required or recommended. Depending on the scheme, the retrofit can consist of a single energy efficiency measure, multiple measures or a whole home upgrade to B2 and the costs will vary accordingly.
Furthermore, the works costs are based on declarations from the homeowners and contractors. The costs can vary depending on the factors outlined above. Additionally, homeowners may carry out non-grant aided/non energy related works as part of the same upgrade. Therefore, the average costs set out below may be in excess of the costs relating to the retrofit works only. The amounts paid out per grant-aided measure by SEAI are fixed irrespective of the costs declared.
SEAI has advised they do not report on costs based on BER cost optimum.
Available data on the following, has been provided by SEAI and is set out in the attached tables:
• A breakdown of the average cost per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to end February 2024,
• A breakdown of the average cost to upgrade to a BER B2, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to end February 2024,
• A breakdown of the average cost to install a heat pump, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to end February 2024,
• A breakdown of the number of heat pumps installed, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to end February 2024,
• A breakdown of heat pump installation targets, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024,
• A breakdown of the retrofitting targets, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024,
• A breakdown of (i) how many retrofits were completed and (ii) how many retrofits were completed to BER B2 standard or higher, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to end February 2024;
A more detailed overview of the SEAI performance against annual targets on the residential and community energy efficiency schemes can be found in their recently published “National Retrofit Plan Full Year Report 2023 ”, which can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/publications/SEAI-Retrofit-Full-Year-Report-2023.pdf
The targets for retrofits and heat pump installations for the period 2025-2030 will be agreed annually as part of the SEAI business planning and Estimates processes.
The cross-Departmental Task Force on Heat and the Built Environment is in place, identifying work on the critical path to accelerate and drive delivery of retrofitting, renewable heat, district heat, decarbonisation and overall energy use needs of building stock.
76. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the projected/estimated targets for solar PV in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13928/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s Climate Action Plan targets increasing the proportion of renewable electricity generation to 80% by 2030, with CAP 23 including an increased target of up to 5GW of Solar by 2025 and 8GW by 2030.
Ireland’s Solar PV ambition is rapidly transforming our energy system, with ESBN recently confirming that more than 1 GW of solar generation, including over 400 MW of rooftop solar and nearly 600 MW of grid-scale solar, is now connected to our electricity network.
This acceleration in Solar has been driven by homes, businesses and communities across the country and is underpinned by the ambition of RePowerEU, which was introduced to accelerate the energy transition and rapidly reduce European dependence on Russian fossil fuels. The core actions of RePower EU are the diversification of our energy supplies, securing affordable energy supplies, saving energy and investment in renewables. Ireland has committed to achieve an average 7% per annum.
Solar PV panels are installed under a number of scenarios and are supported under a number of Department funded and SEAI administered schemes. For domestic installations, solar PV is installed on new homes, as one of the measures to achieve compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations. They are also installed on existing buildings through grant supports offer by Government, through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
The Government approved the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) in December 2021 to support 380 MW of new micro-generation by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan 21. This amounts to 60,000 homes and 9,000 non-domestic installations, such as small farms and businesses, schools, and community groups etc, which would generate over 300 GWh of renewable electricity per annum, with the potential to abate 1.4 million tonnes of CO2eq over the lifetime of the installations.
Since 2018, the SEAI has supported the installation of domestic Solar PV systems for over 44,000 homes, with demand for the domestic Solar PV grant increasing significantly since 2022, reaching a record of over 22,000 in 2023 alone. For 2024, the SEAI is forecasting to support over 26,000 homes.
79. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the average cost to install solar PV that led to an energy uplift of BER B2 or higher per SEAI scheme in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13931/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) was approved by Government on 21 December 2021, to support Ireland’s ambitious targets for micro-generation installations, under the Climate Action Plan 21. The MSS provides supports to both domestic and non-domestic applicants, in the form of grants for Solar PV installations, which are available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), up to a maximum of €2,100 in 2024.See below a breakdown of the average cost to install solar PV that led to an energy uplift of BER B2 or higher for 2023 and so far in 2024. These are provided by the SEAI, who also note that figures for 2020 to 2022 are currently unavailable. However, they will be provided to the Deputy in writing as soon as possible.
It should be noted that these costs represent the value of Solar PV systems as entered by Solar PV installers during the grant application process and are excluding the grant. Furthermore, the achievement of a BER rating of B2 or higher, following the installation of Solar PV, of which 18,755 homes have done so since 2020, will depend on the BER rating of the home prior to the installation of a Solar PV system.
|
Metric |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Average cost to install, for those who achieved B2 BER |
€ 12,313 |
€ 11,749 |
